Doing and Being

Doing and Being: I am a doer; maybe you are too. But I KNOW the constant need to stop and “be.” Our lives are full, busy to the max. I think I have not seen a period of time when families and individuals have been so stressed. What does it look like to take time to “be?”

It is not easy to “be.” Scripture says, “Be still, be still and know that I am God!” This is a command, not a suggestion.

Pastors are always running too, always doing something. Even in the midst of a busy day, I am learning the art (ever in progress) of taking even a short time to “be.” I also recognize the need to take longer periods of retreat so that I can “be.” This weekend our women at TUMC are going on retreat, in the midst of retreat, I will have some time to “be,” and I am very much looking forward to that time.

Here are some ideas that might help you “be” even in the midst of a busy day. Maybe you can steal away some moments to help “be,” even in the midst of a busy, crazy, day.

• Listen to a song on you tube which reminds you of who God created you to “be.” No ideas? Here is one good one.
• Repeat a phrase of Scripture over and over, as a breath prayer. Meditate on that Scripture. How about the one above, “Be Still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
• Take a walk in nature. Look up and around. What do you notice that you are usually too busy to see?
• Close your eyes and imagine what it is like to be surrounded by the Holy Spirit. What does the Holy Spirit look like to you: a bright light, tongues of fire, a dove?
• Imagine what it would look like to sit at the feet of Jesus and learn from him. Mary, Maratha’s sister found this a wonderful place to be.
• Use visuals from blogs that help focus on God to allow God to penetrate to the depths of your soul. This one can get you started, by Jan Richardson. Meditate on one of the pictures. Where do you see God?

May you find time today to “BE” in the midst of your busy day.